With Kids

May 9, 2013
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Zachary Mumbulo 3 years old of Waverly, NY gets a face to face introduction to Socrates a toucan and a new addition to the butterfly garden at the Strong Museum of Play Friday afternoon. / MAX SCHULTE staff photographer

Big Event: The Strong (National Museum of Play)

Wait, aren't museums all serious and "no-touching?" Not this one. The Strong is delightfully hands-on as it celebrates play in all its forms: a kids-sized Wegmans with working registers and a Sesame Street TV set give you an idea of what you'll find here. The kids will have a blast, of course, but adults tend to feel like kids again when they're here. The Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, where you can mingle with Monarchs, is a relatively recent addition, as is the vintage video games arcade ("eGameRevolution" exhibit), featuring dozens of blast-from-the-past games you can actually play. Challenge your kids to a Pac-Man showdown and show them you've still got it.

More Highlights:

Seabreeze Amusement Park/Waterpark: It's the antidote to overpriced mega-amusement parks. Seabreeze (seabreeze.com) is a historic park, smaller in scale and easier on the wallet. It offers a nostalgic mix of classic rides like the Jack Rabbit, the second-oldest operating rollercoaster in the U.S. But it also has added newer attractions like the Whirlwind spinning coaster, plus a waterpark with several speedy slides for splash-loving daredevils. Our Advice: It's a stone's throw from beautiful Lake Ontario. Head down to the shoreline and find local favorites: Abbott's Frozen Custard at Bill Gray's restaurant and the kitschy tiki bar Marge's—a former speakeasy that offers access to a sandy beach.

The Rochester Lilac Festival: Stop and smell the lilacs and be a part of a long tradition. The Rochester Lilac Festival (May 10-19) celebrates spring's return, courtesy of Mother Nature: More than 1,200 lilac bushes (and more than 500 different varieties) bloom in Highland Park, designed by the man who designed Central Park in New York City. All you have to do is show up and marvel. Amid the blossoms you'll find lots of food, concerts, kids shows and a 5K family run, too.

Seneca Park Zoo: This 15-acre spot (senecaparkzoo.org) just outside of downtown Rochester continues to expand: In 2012, it added "A Step into Africa" as its latest exhibit. And its new animal additions are as cute as can be: two playful lion cubs, born in March, joining a baby golden lion tamarin and a Bornean orangutan born in late April. Must be something in the water. Our Advice: Bring the family to the Jungle Jog fundraiser on July 21. Admission is free for all registered runners.